Energetic
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
- 1 Any material used for its release of energy, either as an explosive, propellant, or for pyrotechnic effects. in-plural
"Unfortunately, conventional nanoporous energetics can have poor long-term storage stability, and can be dangerously unstable, severely limiting their usefulness."
- 1 Possessing or pertaining to energy.
"Cosmic rays are energetic particles from outer space."
- 2 Characterised by force or vigour; full of energy; lively, vigorous, furious.
"Those kids are so energetic: they want to run around playing all day."
- 3 Having powerful effects; efficacious, potent. obsolete
"At these energetic sounds, the sun hid himself beneath a gloomy cloud; and the waters of two little lakes, that were naturally clearer than crystal, became of a colour like blood."
- 4 Of or relating to certain Arabic verb forms that emphasize or intensify the meaning.
- 1 possessing or exerting or displaying energy wordnet
- 2 working hard to promote an enterprise wordnet
Example
More examples"Europe is a continent of energetic peoples."
Etymology
From New Latin energeticus (16th c.), or its source, Ancient Greek ἐνεργητικός (energētikós), from ἐνεργέω (energéō, “to be active”), from ἐνεργός (energós, “active”). By surface analysis, energy + -etic.
Possibly from a clipping of energetic materials.
Related phrases
More for "energetic"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.